Joe Root marks England Test captaincy comeback with crushing win over Pakistan

England steamrollered Pakistan inside three days as Joe Root celebrated his captaincy comeback with victory by an innings and 103 runs on his home ground of Headingley.

With the ‘Bazball’ era now consigned to the history books, and former skipper Ben Stokes plying his trade for Durham 80 miles away in a Division Two clash against Derbyshire, England’s fresh start began with a flourish in this first Rothesay Test. Having bowled the the tourists out for 171 on Wednesday they blew them away with even greater ease 48 hours later, Pakistan surrendering for 135 in less than 38 overs. The calibre of the opposition left a lot to be desired – weighed down by a flimsy batting unit, a pedestrian attack and a worryingly disinterested fielding performance – but England’s recent record means they can take nothing for granted. This was just their third Test match victory in 11 attempts and they last won a series in December 2024. On the available evidence, it would be a huge shock if that streak does not end at Lord’s or Edgbaston in the coming weeks.

Published: 21/08/2026 by Radio NewsHub